Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaumok8YyfG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaqBFz9Yg6
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HzcJKTzSo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy773gTwzQ
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk30sYvWQE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AQyW85ZCu
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG7wOLgyWS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaZ2YPMvmB
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EDemJg7oG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPhql8LUKA
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mh9JdMqxw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacuv4VGceJ
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LfmFyKn9H
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmcHEtybQu
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5icZ5DnAv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrgDglMYQt
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFiS6cKJ62
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmTye2Hu57
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOXF93xDE3
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd7tMAHp6Q
**BOOM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2f81moWdI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTOipcTRWp
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ748Yg0iDWe
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjxlQgbsZK
"Ack!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHNAHm2ECG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2igRxdeP4
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMAlHX7eMh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvz4JXhEzZ
The room was a catastrophe.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBkG4FDKLw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmPibGlGUg
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0QyLUTtNK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFne1cUEMtl
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQL5DD0n8I
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKujCwNwtW
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrjxGHdlQF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2hTbO2lHh
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl04uDkr4V0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN8FV3DIMd
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdxhccfXGH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4I5UcC0sj
**STRIKE**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT50a0Uk6V
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QzeWL4Fgx
–only to be immediately interrupted.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsp0Yd3PHa
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYqtDloiei
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyv1gQiYDR
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ezMd2sGxW
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFGhQT3vZ1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB4aPkJ5wv
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi4YWGDN2Y
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0CcbhewyU
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fT8x2IXxV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYBWus9ugU
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMBgK82AKt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd9ULgoUdZ
"C'mon!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa6InMxSZs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZvhjGypIt
"--Ah!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBBPSk7CkA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUvJqUURDx
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw3o04RkkB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjarxxdWmbt
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqAhi70nH2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJopoZbJlY
–
–
–
What a moron.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhSMsdIYMg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIydhfJJRH
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5E2K93ozZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPhgXlxjPv
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KJGCdiL2M
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZcgFUMEpT
**THUD**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA6JWevkru
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulPFMaaiOt
"Ngh!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjUYJBcxrw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wGsDm1rSH
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtxVnn4JBH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf7fXjmp1J
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsop3PtgDpD
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1aVA0nqrF
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OCIcQLVBr
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxK36JUONh
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGmCeu9B3R
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3fk5FcziQ
"--I should've known!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjNq1P0cEp
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9vE0L2JUW
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonFsAu5dho
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEEVz5cECF
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeAIIykNI1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdnQRUMHrN
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5C16SpVl4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRabhb6QJD5
"DAVE!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfLRAOAPyQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH7WkfO7KJ
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL1HzHi7tj
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RzUpaBu8R
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvdA6lMZ9D
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdV9iMNfqo
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFfNIGnPkC
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbgbn35FzT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CfNO5ABvE
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbcM4YHq5e
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBqy7r0Oyn
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4t8FWlAK2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMVK4mLcn5
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv20rH1zFh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtNhetcRCV
"...Those are our first casualties–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4fJonJtEy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4xHCmJZcC
**BOOM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRSBqNwj82
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DjWxJNRCd
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlxL2baA1O
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1AVLHqReg
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL4l3acEHb
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SSuzAdVXv
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdBT7CYTDO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TQ7wCv1nx
"I'm here now."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAl1KMWQJx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCuBliIvX2
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3lNCQrI7n
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFFmAlPtWf
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fO4T46gEN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbiv6fFv1e
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmu246yukA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2nc8Rl9L5
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl4Ul2rFWL
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9NZpUCvgH
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv7raBHSjx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIhQuvTCrp
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDuZChoro0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEOQkMzT9L
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkBKf3gkWR
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX7xd77iGP
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dcUNbhZWm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR6AKanM67
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMYm5Z0cxf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvucYA5GUAK
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIudsJNrMbw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKj35ulKIp
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1Dm1bEdg4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHtHLE7MkQ
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu1IKClxm8
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqQYEudFXV
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzwbm2IeOj
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oPEkPaN82
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IjWnKGOIg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteMEQZu55Z
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1Fo4YySfn
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5PfJHLqBN
**BOOM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTnbOnVwG2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAKzPqi4G2
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv6JKUbg1w
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrEHMEWVpO
"Pars!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EmGxshrJs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5OUvuGg2O
"Huh?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAFXdXEARW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzKR5G2sfz
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCy9v5tS8r
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFLH90wu3E
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB2LM2Ytgg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Qs53306K
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA3ZD1Kmh2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllQnPV326P
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpQmwkZMtD
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUKKieN3xz
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2hhWejsOq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2HTxP2QXk
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByOcnczeTf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKfeQ5k7Fl
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrccJmZ5m03
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN1RZFAZwY
**CLANG**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk6mdNQFhq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZvqRVlpVt
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld5hxRotzZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZyfTL2Kmq
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAQpS4q0qC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgtiQi4Xr6
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8eoNgP17O
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2Q5c8astM
**SLAM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa5IxJD9mc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHHmqBiF12
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd3jh90RUG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjO2x4Mvyv
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2xdR97CrS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu2hnFV9JX
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOAMhCtllM
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z0WHCeJIe
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZQ1oQj14W
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBEZzQWFMG
"Ngh! Shit–!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNafIuwp5M
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEWuJSB9VN
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4NYMmdhgW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATVsGlkiFd
But then–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuu2rv5qkJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSDwFMcQqg
**BOOM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEZG30riCA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG2qzoC3Hw
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyfQDMuyIg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfzKzwq9sS
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOZwB7N9ZO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGoql6Qw0m
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCZMIb10xA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DpZXhNMlM
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2I62BB2C7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsd7G5VRvM
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqD2676n7X
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOJqEotbZ7
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabLMMksyUx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxA8FV8XDO
"Gah–! You scared me!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXDByXTTAc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo4j6irYtk
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXo4K5HbBU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFpV2kVFp8
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNRmjU4Lhf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJO9b81CBh
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2p1n7nUeK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECjZQo9J2h
"No, this is terrible."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUFd4hUJoo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIawNiON74v
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLGXvaZlRl
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jdhDvvMv8
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFQaYt8ep8
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1mfg1U0wT
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgsGrgjpDc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI5Je5tSHw
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzJoKKI7HM
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nt4yn5WcL
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpscex0kqU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeAsf1IjlR
"No. No suggestions from you, please."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kdBNWA8Aa
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzjWg1rNeU
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq0IserGUf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd85hxJTl8D
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahTQDolCm7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9tTQ5GA7d
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu3y4mDK52
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVxqFtKe0c
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1GlpLnS9N
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFDFP8ui0U
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cgbHBdLKp
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYHp1qxBm4
Still, no response.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8qRN9BgDH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPp2fjJOA5
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JCbju16uH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriaZHB8uEI
"Because you're entirely incompetent."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7qw278mw9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctnTyXiEYO
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT4Xnxlezc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITEEYVWCcZ
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnlpc4wSl0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJr3pSh3mY
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiCtywltFu
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vk0z7x9vZ
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWEidFGYpH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT01hRvYyKI
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xFN6HFlWS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpbfqxM79x
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJkzxqTFq0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsyHo1CV3J
"What?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouCCNnh7D9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2H3inQ3CI
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAa6CvJxn6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8pgVUIY6b
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK7tdY0xmV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlMEtQbjUS
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s8wewnUwm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqd4ReoJdt
"...I see."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTu1hTwSEd
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UgLQ7deEF
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDv36i9U8O
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXCajQZHEW
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndz6ntLX34
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSWPIWT7mb
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNLHXlyjqS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiE5XM7Xxz
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL6KwD4pQ9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnypL7WHiJ
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcfK02YWAL
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1jQHSNJRG
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbw7vBYqyZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhVa4pj0Zp
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBvPT2QjQY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN3PP9ZeEi
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5GJKzUENq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdytwqPUuh
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvksDagm4PH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXSunAEd4z
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1fIlvFncy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgCLNwLNRr
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Mjq4HR5L
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p7aIspciz
"Alright!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgF4nTzXOn
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM4U4uNVAd
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9lUwdTH7t
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPto2WLpADV
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d7ckyitOB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKrfl1ufoO
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bvgjt9muA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSxs1ENSlZ
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb43Yk6c4r
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeytRnrS5Y
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkqkuXGs4k
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqabnH2ZNhb
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6YDlahFJT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVq6uvrLZj
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBUHyX1E1L
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb0qdI8X1t
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g5GtIk6rG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3OyCky0ac
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba9zuk1eP1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iG89nmdqI
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm9np84cuk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LUSOuIrnd
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3IDnXSYY2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNesYuB6zHZ
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptxGAmDNUj
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEBLDFJRnG
"--No!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FLXruezxK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcgfVmEUCx
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eLp2tNTbO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g4lvuw6uO
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkJe3jOgRw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZRjAanCn1
"Hyua!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmumHYQuwRI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORgevAzFfH
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhmnDNYND4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lAfawbwbl
However, he did have another sharp object.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEiuTl6hKt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONUTSRL3J4
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUlneCw2EJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MOUO6P8Mo
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmLxOZlwkx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21fte5srjD
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlAFpOOrmo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB27822wV95
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk1Usvxa9N
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgzLVebFXR
And what came was–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV04fwCcMQx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoWHF2QgGc
**BOOM**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYj20akBV9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CRoxjhr74
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc77WsArLVh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbypGYgXAZ
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCsudVEpkg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvtcibEa8H
"--oop!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz1dXmb0tB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesHIHcyLyU
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iwoJvgopI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr3DlwJcTc
"You... you're a sick jokester."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSNGoydrm4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kHmFH7baX
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TzH7LfpnO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb92LJYPWG
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK20PqibVHI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQKqKphQte
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EelL0z6C3
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOjW7e7spi
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3UnMg2fSv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsZGsCOIM6
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhTkEYRVWH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf974NIpWbk
"What the hell... what the hell!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggwRdxTvCo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME86RP2Zde
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKisdtzz2eZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9ZGvncIzV
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tQe1LHC9n
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcN8KT1jte
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyxnKCS75B
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelOAG845RR
"...Heh."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWvkq99c7e
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz91ei1Htx
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo5DnpX6Ax
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uCJSVqf4s
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxxHZOaLDC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ypbg5IRBa
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOJd9lySB5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUmClV7bwx
**THUD**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3fqBZ8JvC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwbzFdmYzM
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4XhUxHTFg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo71dUaRoX
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh7mwr2got
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEhvlZuoRL
"Though I have to wonder–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJygoA4lze
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55rERdChFg
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2bDV8gjNk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNjlqHNYDO
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGoQfbnpK4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pzlZBhjsK
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi42Wxhfkw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOvcZMkxzk
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqARDTnMzV4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7Zm06mXHc
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk7l84dmdN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLY4yrs58p
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFB0OohvO4
"Irritating...!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5VN9Xb7EO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1afhPNNGQ
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ36CFOLbdQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVbdG0MeAD
Dave didn't like to use spears.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPadZc7Kvh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvz9Ps2Ppr
"...Haaaaa."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChKXu0Uglq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcph0yB9HRO
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvXYKLn5kK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKVCS4YdPb
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNAqEmJgYa
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KFQoUMiz3
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKXUR6QT6R
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSR0fKR5Kn
That's what he always told himself, at least.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTREe0mgzS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDGYxU6e33
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZlNYLQj8u
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoc7cw4J1l
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb8aMfpHTo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMO1N9BtW2
**CLASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtSqoOfQR9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQFUsXoINw
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzh7Ue4vLF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDbKkAEe9V
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuFbesuNBv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHgLxSYVRi
**CLASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxJ5m6Ti7J
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOCGpc2OUH
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdirBFxk8tT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLC7d26J4S
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxScEyrkzx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoqAFNWeGV
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGrRwY4JT2
Confusion–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CSDYR12CB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9noYteKfSk
**CLANG**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TADnT0rzR
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMx0fS6K3r
Delusion–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA8RIU7nWI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1th7JGpxsi
**CRASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbr6KwxyOT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh6kNt5PEc
All lead to one conclusion:181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBi0Zt7lru
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzTiKWrfnz
**SMASH**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qqHZLqdtn
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdUNpaSLTC
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9cqXd5a7A
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubfUmZ5PTP
"...No, of course it isn't."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H6cAOT695
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLeXZRUPXm
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEBGRksAX0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3MicWR4Xf
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGeaRHEsZt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoADSlUGiNc
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMnrSWQtCm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0doIerRBf
**THUD**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfCC9QPRbz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR7JnzjNaH
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThBn5rthvY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dx0HdoPA1
"Pars!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk0rMqizNN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNqMApGxRW
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuY6aC7U7e
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUCG2DYc6P
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRYomYEjrV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJALODZvImI
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQys0s6qoX
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCUkdKvckc
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO45l0jAQZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGBNZQhtUl
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIgBnYsTjr
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlueC2Xoeqj
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ehc821RaE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJsbSw9rnU
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7aW0o8WUG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V8X4tWpNu
"What do you propose?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsb7yIy2RJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h8OhtT8K6
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBaUhaImv5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x4ufBCqIZ
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c5MLGdGLt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNj1PlOYEa
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOXMO7wdix
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNalFKYFTN
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO6UjUSXUH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMfhBhi9hP
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0HvHJRTyR
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92mSKuvDOl
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvYBoUGK4c
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mdy04q9Fm
"--Huh?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVdS2qgQGW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5tG9jvjmu
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGv3WVosVl
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsrhe67EAS
"...Always backhanded, huh."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MgUOzRTrd
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1YzCXvdgV
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy9Sokcf1S
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFjoxOfyZ5
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7bAfY0BIz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWd4pY6JRQ
"We likely don't have one."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFv0RIUwlu
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuW9YTSHO0
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSylLMTfMNt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCQgKJWXNi
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruemQFjDXg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtIaEKZpqb
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqlPuuC0Mi
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJQkzFM0yG
"Well, if you insist."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnW3EfaQAt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTFrQLRSTL
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vUFTc6wME
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTojXHeMbx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWNm5S6Dof
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXlhoedDDm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsLacBF5D1
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezeE0TR2EB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXr7U18FbG
**THUD**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6UbCvscmZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQON8HbT4u6
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvse8g7B7h7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSisfpAkOYV
"--!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhqpCd2OTZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RezTAdLKs
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ9pml4jjq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8i8Xm9aay
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZtl6KMnEv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO5JKiksp7
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6a05tVii6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcEQkCUPbh
**SPLICE**181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8c7HQS4iu
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYiLbJNcNN
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTJTI3QQiG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6oFrfzF3h
"I missed one."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLKiRZbPVI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD98uGKWq0T
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW6wIXY042
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JTtwEXdyh
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk0EsuYpI1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwrnFh56ky
"Hey!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHRB39N8Co
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWxopsSZGu
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p7PEgZqhf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtlByOr1hs
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1GKWdnaoA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj1Ju5H7gE
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsas4ccBcsc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7seRESLWto
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlYxDuoTmj
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0ifn3CHZT
"I never said that."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0RO1ZUgx6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpCUuVEmhq
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWIod7mPGq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKgjbiymvz
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCyIv9J6Su
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbNbcXVxfM
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5ioN5KO7b
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHaI0T2yAF
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL76OHFt99U
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapJiLWsqs7
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddoZH24qLx
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pp6eK2FFQ
"Haaaa. Damn you."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOCpWy9m9o
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJEHB1c9bc
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKL8I5oslf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5bDrEIAtZ
"They are dead, right?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUknRR4MmdD
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx9NA5v06V
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahjKSEEntI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlLpsKTCiP
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj87d6FW7Hv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy6xf4BBvx
"I–"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9K7tObuOe
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAvXHIjaYd
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigKO9yQScr
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ6nR6vsfN
"Huh?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDbvyiz2Ch
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3seZGUfdH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV70ak2zf5
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsTbpnT6Hp
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ee6mpKZ5r
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcVDuF1BvF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JNxOcsiLw
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfPPvqM3XR
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANuVDT0lum
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxics9npu0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BvG8LHaZJ
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUAPoNW90Q
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The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGXjoPbDKv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ4aRmzsLq
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdDBoYkKjo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR8v15njDy
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklsRnTgvmw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJQrEnV9dP
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70n3PiLvtW
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkbSq3P1xH
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zStY464Hh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxxGwLfdeQ
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmCuRRsqBr
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"You raise a good point."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDSWXG7PuI
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvl2gt9oV0
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjo7ZC6xFU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6RJM1Jxt8
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTKxXJRcYC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkHnZY1FLn
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAs6hweJUU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui8TQHdoMG
"Ha, abandon?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0N8XFyKXz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo2fN7mSKq
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqAIzTekFY
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"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMghWGqr7uU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5FnLlcBUI
"If you were, it was backfiring."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4sUqeNGfh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8gRZbKEhr
"Harhar. Very funny."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlwxVa6XXN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFeswmtrLX
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVJaRiOwj1
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"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW1hHQynmZ
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"Aren't you conceited."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknPhhE3Mo4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlla71nQkX
"You think it's arrogance?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGMxxZNjcu
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Pars began to stroke his chin.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExD4j6L7Dx
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG4V5fK7KQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagJleoHSDI
"But what you want isn't just greatness."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1ft60fXTi
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaUQR3E8qg
"...Yeah, you're right."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCrdokZXbU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ATWxf6iua
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu5ZbnDSPO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePae2N5ca7
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
